Canada Work Permit Application Process 2025:

(A Comprehensive Guide)

Why Canada—and why the process can feel complex

Canada continues to attract talent because of its stable economy, worker protections, and diverse, innovation‑driven labour market. Employers rely on international hiring to fill gaps in health care, skilled trades, agri‑food, engineering, and digital roles. Yet from an applicant’s perspective, Canada’s work authorization system isn’t “one program”—it’s a framework with multiple pathways, each with its own eligibility, documents, fees, and timing. Some routes require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Others are LMIA‑exempt under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for reasons like international agreements, significant benefit to Canada, reciprocal employment, or Francophone mobility. The Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is its own category for eligible international graduates, with rules that changed in late 2024 and again in 2025.

If you understand the building blocks—permit types, LMIA vs. IMP, fees, biometrics/medicals, and where the 2025 updates fit—you can map your situation to the right steps and greatly reduce back‑and‑forth.

The two big families of Canadian work permits

IRCC recognizes two main types of work permits: employer‑specific (sometimes informally called “closed”) and open. IRCC’s public portal lays this out clearly and links to the right forms based on your answers.

1. Employer‑specific work permits (most common)

An employer‑specific work permit binds you to (a) a named employer, (b) the approved occupation, (c) specified work location(s), and (d) the validity dates. To change any of these substantially—especially the employer—you must apply to change the conditions or get a new permit. Before you apply, your employer must either:

• Obtain an LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), or
• Use an LMIA‑exempt category under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and submit an Offer of Employment in the Employer Portal (usually with a $230 employer compliance fee) to generate an “offer of employment number” you’ll reference in your application.

LMIA processing times fluctuate monthly and are posted publicly by stream (e.g., high‑wage, low‑wage, Global Talent Stream, seasonal, etc.). Always check the current table because it can swing meaningfully with volume.

2. Open work permits

An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada (with limited exceptions—e.g., non‑compliant employers). Open permits exist for specific situations: certain spouses/partners, PGWP‑eligible graduates, some public‑policy groups (e.g., CUET arrivals, as applicable), destitute students, vulnerable workers, and a few others. Open permits require both the standard work‑permit fee and an additional open‑permit holder fee (total $155 + $100).

Key 2025 update—spousal/partner open work permits (SOWP): On January 21, 2025 (05:00 UTC), IRCC tightened SOWP eligibility for family members of workers. Only select spouses or common‑law partners of workers remain eligible under this measure; dependent children are no longer eligible under it as of that date. Review the “Who can apply” page carefully to see whether your spouse/partner qualifies.

LMIA vs. IMP: what it means for you (and your employer)

The most consequential fork in the road is whether your offer needs an LMIA.

LMIAs (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

An LMIA is ESDC’s labour‑market test that asks: Did the employer try to hire domestically? Are wages/conditions in line with standards? Will hiring this foreign worker have a neutral or positive effect on the Canadian labour market? LMIAs are stream‑specific (e.g., Global Talent Stream, high‑wage, low‑wage) with different employer obligations and processing targets. Processing times change monthly; check the official LMIA times page for a realistic timeline.

Global Talent Stream (GTS): If the role fits Category B (on the occupation list) or you’re referred under Category A (unique and specialized talent), Service Canada targets 10 business days for LMIA decisions 80% of the time, and IRCC aims to process the subsequent work‑permit in two weeks under the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) if the applicant applies online from outside Canada and meets criteria.

LMIA‑exempt (International Mobility Program)

Under the IMP, the employer skips the LMIA but must normally: (1) submit an Offer of Employment via the Employer Portal, (2) pay the $230 employer compliance fee (unless exempt), and (3) provide you the generated offer number for your IRCC application. Some IMP categories are fee‑exempt; see IRCC’s exemption list and notes inside the Employer Portal guide. Examples of IMP categories include intra‑company transferees, CETA/other trade agreements, Mobilité Francophone (LMIA‑exempt C16 for French‑speaking candidates working outside Quebec), and reciprocal employment.

Fees, biometrics, and medicals (2025 specifics)

Fees (core amounts)

IRCC’s fee page lists current amounts. For 2025, plan for:

• Work permit (most types): $155
• Open work permit holder fee (if applicable): $100 (paid in addition to $155)
• Biometrics: $85 per person; a family max also applies when applying together
• Employer compliance fee (for LMIA‑exempt employer‑specific permits): $230 (paid by employer)
• Some restoration or other fees changed on April 1, 2025—verify the specific line item that applies to you.

Tip: Applicants often miss the open‑work‑permit holder fee. If you’re applying for an open permit, you must pay both $155 and $100. IRCC will not finalize your case until fees are correct.

Biometrics

Unless exempt, you must give fingerprints and a photo after you receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)—you typically have 30 days to complete this at a Visa Application Centre or other collection site. U.S. nationals are exempt from biometrics for temporary residence; U.S. permanent residents are not exempt for work permits.

Medical exams

Whether you need an immigration medical exam depends on your job duties and residence history. Certain occupations (e.g., health care, child/elder care, education) and longer‑term stays often trigger the requirement. For in‑Canada applicants, IRCC extended the temporary policy on re‑using IMEs completed within the past five years until October 5, 2029, subject to conditions—check the detailed page to see if you qualify for reuse rather than a new exam.

Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): what changed and how to apply correctly in 2025

The PGWP is an open work permit for eligible graduates of designated Canadian institutions. Two sets of changes matter in 2025:

1. The big reset (effective November 1, 2024): IRCC changed PGWP eligibility and ended various pandemic‑era flexibilities (e.g., online study counting in Canada ended August 31, 2024). If you applied before the cutoff dates or are a flight school graduate, you may be exempt from the new rules.
2. Field‑of‑study requirement list adjustments (June/July 2025): IRCC briefly removed some CIP codes from eligibility on June 25, 2025, then re‑added them on July 4, 2025, and clarified that the removed fields remain eligible until the next list update in early 2026. This matters if you were caught in the late‑June window or are choosing programs

Other PGWP essentials:

• Apply online; as of June 21, 2024, you cannot apply for a PGWP at the port of entry.
• Your permit length usually reflects your program length (with caps), but always double‑check the latest IRCC page for nuances.
• Spouse/partner SOWP eligibility for students was narrowed—review the “Help your spouse or partner work” page for the new student‑related SOWP criteria.

Special programs and faster pathways

Global Skills Strategy (GSS) 2‑week processing

If you (a) apply from outside Canada, (b) qualify under GSS, and (c) submit a complete application (including certified translations where needed), IRCC aims to process in two weeks. Spouses/partners and dependent children who apply at the same time can also benefit. This is a major time‑saver for high‑skill hires, especially paired with the Global Talent Stream LMIA.

Francophone Mobility (Mobilité francophone)

French‑speaking candidates (outside Quebec) may be eligible for LMIA‑exempt employer‑specific permits under C16, with the employer submitting an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and paying the compliance fee (unless exempt). This pathway helps employers attract Francophone talent countrywide.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

For youth from partner countries, IEC provides Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co‑op (Internship) categories. The 2025 IEC season is open, with published fees and indicative processing times.

Where you apply (outside vs. inside Canada) and 2025 rules at the border (POE)

Default rule: Apply online before traveling. IRCC still allows certain applicants to apply at a port of entry (POE), but only if you meet strict criteria (e.g., visa‑exempt). If you’re a national who needs a TRV (visitor visa), you cannot apply at the POE; you must apply in advance. As noted above, PGWP at POE is no longer allowed (since June 21, 2024).

Inside Canada: Many people can apply from within Canada (e.g., extending a permit, changing conditions, transitioning from study to PGWP). IRCC also allows you to request interim authorization to begin working for a new employer while your employer‑specific change is in process (see Part 8). Most in‑Canada applicants must apply online rather than at the border, under 2024–2025 rules tightening POE usage for in‑Canada residents.

Step‑by‑step: the application process in 2025

Step 1: Confirm the correct pathway

Use IRCC’s work permit pages to identify: (a) whether you need an LMIA or an IMP category; (b) whether you qualify for an open permit (PGWP, spouse/partner, other policy); (c) whether you may be eligible for GSS 2‑week processing (if outside Canada).

Step 2: Employer actions (if employer‑specific)

• LMIA route: Employer files with ESDC under the right stream; monitor the LMIA processing time page to anticipate when you can submit your IRCC application. If Global Talent Stream, align your file for the GSS two‑week IRCC target after the LMIA arrives.
• IMP route: Employer submits an Offer of Employment in the Employer Portal, pays the $230 fee, receives an offer number, and sends it to you. Some categories are fee‑exempt—check the published exemption list.

Step 3: Gather documents

What IRCC typically expects (with variations by stream):

• Identity & travel: Passport (valid well beyond the intended work term), digital photo.
• Offer of Employment number (IMP) or LMIA + job offer letter/contract (TFWP).
• Proof of qualifications: Diplomas/transcripts, licences/certifications, CV/resume; where required, certified translations.
• Police certificates if requested.
• Medical exam results (if upfront or if asked; see Part 3).
• Biometrics: you’ll give these after receiving the BIL.
• Proof of funds (case‑dependent) and ties to home country (more common in TRV contexts).
• Family docs if spouse/children apply concurrently (marriage cert, birth certs, etc.).
• Fees: Work permit fee; add $100 if open; biometrics fee usually paid with your application.

GSS applicants must include certified translations for documents not in English/French—even if local visa office instructions are more permissive—otherwise you’ll miss the two‑week target.

Step 4: Apply online

Create/sign in to your IRCC account, upload forms and evidence, and pay the fees. For many categories (including PGWP, changes inside Canada), online is the default—and for most people already in Canada, POE applications are no longer an option.

Step 5: Give biometrics (if required)

After you submit, IRCC issues a BIL. Book your appointment promptly—you have 30 days. Avoid delays; your application won’t finalize until biometrics are on file.

Step 6: Wait for processing and respond to any IRCC requests

Processing times vary by country and stream and are updated regularly. Use IRCC’s tool for an up‑to‑date estimate. If IRCC asks for additional evidence or a medical exam, comply within the deadline. (Canada.ca)

Step 7: Approval and entering/continuing work

If approved overseas, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction (and an eTA/visa as applicable). Your actual work permit is printed by CBSA when you land. If approved inside Canada, you’ll receive your work permit by mail; the conditions printed on it govern your work. Check it carefully (employer name, occupation, location, validity).

Changing employers or extending your permit in 2025

Life happens—projects change, promotions come, or you receive a stronger offer. If you’re on an employer‑specific permit and need to change employers or job conditions, you must apply to extend or change conditions. Apply at least 30 days before expiry.

Interim authorization to work for a new employer (very important in 2025): IRCC continues to let many employer‑specific permit holders request authorization to start the new job before the new work permit is issued. You do this after applying by sending a web form message with specific text (IRCC provides the template). Wait for IRCC’s authorization email before you start at the new employer. Open‑permit holders don’t need this—they can switch any time.

If you apply to extend your current permit before it expires, you remain on maintained status (formerly implied status) and may continue working under the same conditions until IRCC decides—keep proof of your timely submission.

2025 updates that can affect your strategy

Here are the changes and clarifications most likely to impact applicants and families this year:

1. Spousal/partner open work permits (family members of workers): Eligibility narrowed on January 21, 2025—check the new criteria carefully. Dependent children no longer qualify under this measure.
2. PGWP rules: Big changes took effect November 1, 2024 (with some exemptions), and a field‑of‑study list adjustment in June/July 2025 temporarily removed then re‑added certain CIP codes; those codes remain eligible until the next list update in early 2026. If you’re picking a program now or graduated recently, verify your program’s CIP code on the dedicated IRCC page.
3. POE restrictions: Since June 21, 2024, PGWP can’t be issued at the border. Most in‑Canada applicants must apply online rather than “flagpoling” at a POE.
4. Medicals: In‑Canada applicants with an IME from the last five years may be able to reuse it under a policy now extended to October 5, 2029, reducing cost and delay.
5. GSS/GTS speed lanes: Two‑week work‑permit processing (IRCC target) remains in place for eligible outside‑Canada applicants tied to high‑skill roles—ensure documents and translations are perfect.
6. Fees: Check the IRCC fee list (and the April 1, 2025 fee‑change page for certain restoration fees). For open permits, remember it’s $155 + $100 for the applicant; biometrics are $85 per person (with a family cap). Employers hiring under IMP typically pay $230 unless exempt.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

1. Misclassifying your pathway: Applicants sometimes assume they’re PGWP‑eligible or IMP‑exempt when they’re not, or forget the employer’s Employer Portal step. Cross‑check your category on IRCC’s work‑permit pages and, if IMP, make sure the employer submitted the offer and paid the fee before you apply.
2. Forgetting the open‑permit holder fee: If your permit is open, pay both $155 and $100. IRCC can return or delay incomplete files.
3. Missing the GSS translation rule: Even if a local checklist seems flexible, GSS requires certified translations for non‑English/French documents to meet the 2‑week target.
4. Biometrics delays: Book within the 30‑day window on your BIL and show up with the right ID; biometrics are essential to finalizing the decision.
5. POE missteps: Showing up at the border without meeting the POE eligibility criteria can lead to a refusal. PGWP cannot be issued at POE—don’t attempt it.
6. Changing jobs on an employer‑specific permit: Don’t just switch. Apply to change conditions and request interim authorization via web form; start only once IRCC authorizes you.
7. Medical exam timing: Some occupations require an IME; others don’t. If you’re unsure and you’re on an open permit, IRCC explicitly advises doing the exam if the scenarios apply. The in‑Canada IME‑reuse policy can save you time/money.

Detailed checklists you can follow

A) Employer‑specific with LMIA (outside Canada)

1. Employer obtains LMIA (watch the processing‑times page).
2. You gather documents: passport, LMIA + job offer, education/experience proofs, translations, police certs (if asked), upfront medical (if applicable), funds/ties evidence, family docs if applying together.
3. Apply online, pay fees, include family in same session if using GSS.
4. Give biometrics within 30 days of BIL.
5. Await decision; if approved, travel with POE letter. CBSA prints your permit at the border.

B) Employer‑specific LMIA‑exempt (IMP) (outside or inside Canada)

1. Employer submits Offer of Employment via the Employer Portal and pays $230 (unless exempt), then sends you the offer number.
2. You complete your application online; pay work‑permit fee (and biometrics if needed).
3. Biometrics within 30 days; medical if required by job/residence history.
4. Decision/issuance: at POE if you applied from outside and are visa‑exempt (subject to POE eligibility), or mailed to you if inside Canada.

C) PGWP (inside Canada, 2025 rules)

1. Confirm your institution and program are PGWP‑eligible under the current rules and field‑of‑study list (check CIP code).
2. Apply online after receiving final marks/completion proof; don’t attempt POE.
3. Pay $155 + $100; biometrics if needed; medical if your profession requires it.
4. If your study permit is expiring and you want to work full‑time sooner, ensure you meet the “worked off‑campus” and completion criteria; verify the latest page for nuances.
5. Once approved, your open permit arrives by mail.

D) Spousal/partner open work permit (SOWP) linked to a worker

1. Confirm January 21, 2025 tightened eligibility applies to you (and that your spouse/partner’s occupation/status meets the new measure).
2. Apply online and pay $155 + $100; submit evidence of relationship and the principal’s status/offer and, if relevant, LMIA/Offer number.
3. Biometrics and medical (if applicable).
4. Decision issued to your IRCC account (and to family members applying with you).

Processing times: reading them realistically

IRCC posts estimated processing times by country/stream; ESDC posts separate LMIA processing times by stream. Treat these as moving targets. High volumes and incomplete files stretch timelines; GTS/GSS files, by design, move faster if they’re spotless. Always confirm the current times before planning flights or resigning from your current job.

Maintaining status and working lawfully while things change

Three work‑authorization concepts matter:

1. Maintained status: If you apply before expiry to extend or change conditions, you can keep working under the same conditions until IRCC decides. Keep your submission proof handy for HR.
2. Interim authorization to work for a new employer: If you’re switching employers on an employer‑specific permit, request this via IRCC web form after you file the change application. Wait for the authorization email before starting at the new company.
3. Port‑of‑entry applications: Don’t rely on the border for fixes. Most in‑Canada residents must apply online; PGWP at POE is now off the table.

Program‑by‑program snapshots (quick reference)

Global Talent Stream (LMIA + GSS): Fast LMIA target (10 business days) and IRCC 2‑week aim if outside Canada and eligible. High‑skill roles—especially on the occupations list—fit well.

Intra‑company transferees (ICT): LMIA‑exempt under IMP; employer files an Offer via Employer Portal + fee; you show qualifying relationship and specialized knowledge/managerial role.

Trade‑agreement professionals (e.g., CETA, CPTPP): LMIA‑exempt; category‑specific proofs required.

Francophone Mobility (C16): French‑speaking candidates in NOC TEER 0‑3 jobs outside Quebec; LMIA‑exempt with Employer Portal offer + fee.

International Experience Canada (IEC): Youth mobility program; 2025 season open with posted fees and indicative six‑week processing.

Spouses/partners of workers and students: SOWP still exists, but criteria for workers and for international students tightened—verify the updated eligibility and note children are no longer included in the worker‑family measure as of Jan 21, 2025.

PGWP: Open permit for eligible grads; rules changed Nov 1, 2024, and the field‑of‑study list was adjusted (June/July 2025). Don’t attempt POE issuance.

Frequently asked questions (with 2025‑accurate answers)

Q1: Do I always need biometrics?
A: Most temporary resident applicants do, except U.S. nationals. You’ll get a BIL giving you 30 days to go to a collection site. If you gave biometrics recently and they’re still valid, you may not need to give them again—IRCC confirms this in your account.

Q2: Can I reuse my medical exam?
A: If you’re inside Canada, a policy now extended to October 5, 2029 lets some people reuse a prior IME done within the last 5 years. Otherwise, whether you need an IME depends on occupation and residence history.

Q3: Can I apply at the airport when I land?
A: Some visa‑exempt travellers can, but many cannot, and PGWP cannot be issued at POE since June 21, 2024. Check the POE eligibility page before you plan travel.

Q4: My employer wants me to start next week but my change‑of‑employer application is pending.
A: If you hold an employer‑specific permit, request interim authorization through the IRCC web form after you file your change application. Wait for the authorization email; once received, you can start at the new employer while IRCC finishes processing.

Q5: How much does an open work permit cost?
A: $155 (work‑permit fee) + $100 (open‑permit holder fee) = $255, plus $85 biometrics if applicable.

Q6: What’s the employer’s cost under IMP?
A: Usually $230 employer compliance fee via the Employer Portal; certain cases are fee‑exempt (see IRCC’s exemption list).

Q7: I’m choosing a Canadian program to qualify for PGWP. What should I check?
A: Verify the school is a DLI with PGWP‑eligible programs and verify the CIP code on the field‑of‑study page (updated in June/July 2025), noting those temporarily removed were re‑added and remain eligible through the next update in early 2026.

Practical timelines and planning

A realistic plan is to work backwards from your intended start date:

• 8–20+ weeks out: Employer decides TFWP (LMIA) vs IMP. If LMIA, file immediately and monitor the monthly LMIA times; if GTS, coordinate for the subsequent GSS two‑week window at IRCC. If IMP, employer posts the Offer of Employment and pays the fee right away so you can file IRCC promptly.
• 4–12+ weeks out: Apply online with complete documentation; pay fees; await BIL and complete biometrics within 30 days; do medicals if required. If you’re inside Canada and changing jobs, file the change and request interim authorization via web form.
• 2–6 weeks out: Track your IRCC account messages, respond quickly to any ADR (additional document requests). If approved overseas, prepare to travel with your POE letter and supporting documents. If approved inside Canada, confirm HR has the right conditions from your new work permit.

How employers can set you up for success

1. Select the right stream: GTS vs high‑wage vs low‑wage vs IMP category. Misalignment delays everything.
2. Front‑load evidence: Job description mapped to NOC TEER level, wage at/above prevailing rates, recruitment proofs (if LMIA).
3. Offer of Employment quality (IMP): Accurate duties, NOC code, wage/benefits, and location. Submit Employer Portal offer early; pay fee; send offer number immediately.
4. Use GSS properly: Ensure certified translations and completeness so you hit the two‑week aim.
5. Support for dependants: Coordinate parallel submissions for spouse/children if they’re joining; remember SOWP eligibility narrowed in 2025.

Ethical hiring, compliance, and audits

IMP employers who skip the Employer Portal or $230 compliance fee (when not exempt) risk refusal—and IRCC/ESDC run employer compliance inspections. Policies also changed over the years to strengthen accountability; employers should maintain accurate records and honour wage/role terms.

Glossary (quick)

• IRCC: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (processes permits).
• ESDC/Service Canada: Runs LMIA under TFWP.
• LMIA: Labour Market Impact Assessment—employer‑side labour‑market test.
• IMP: International Mobility Program—LMIA‑exempt hiring for broader benefits/reciprocity.
• GTS: Global Talent Stream—an LMIA stream with faster service standards.
• GSS: Global Skills Strategy—IRCC’s two‑week work‑permit aim for eligible outside‑Canada cases.
• PGWP: Post‑Graduation Work Permit—open permit for eligible grads; rules changed 2024/2025.
• SOWP: Spousal Open Work Permit—eligibility for workers/students narrowed in 2025.
• BIL: Biometric Instruction Letter (30‑day window).
• POE: Port of Entry—some can apply there, but PGWP no longer; most in‑Canada cases must apply online.
• Maintained status: Ability to keep working under same conditions while an on‑time extension/change is in process.

Example decision trees

A) I have a Canadian job offer in a tech role (software engineer, NOC 21232) and I live abroad.

1. Ask the employer if the role can go through Global Talent Stream (GTS). If yes, they apply to Service Canada with a 10‑business‑day target; once LMIA arrives, you apply online from outside Canada under GSS aiming for two‑week IRCC processing.
2. If not GTS, check IMP options (trade agreement, intra‑company transfer, significant benefit). If IMP applies, the employer posts an Offer of Employment and pays $230; you apply with the offer number.
3. If neither GTS nor IMP, proceed under high‑wage LMIA and then apply to IRCC; timeframes depend on current LMIA and IRCC processing times.

B) I’m finishing a recognized Canadian master’s and want a PGWP.

1. Confirm your program’s PGWP eligibility and CIP code against the current field‑of‑study page (post‑Nov 1, 2024 rules).
2. Apply online; don’t try POE; pay $155 + $100; do biometrics if asked; medical if your field requires it.

C) I’m on an employer‑specific permit and got a better offer.

1. Apply to change conditions and request interim work authorization via web form using IRCC’s template text. Wait for authorization email before switching.

Final tips and best practices for 2025

1. Read the exact IRCC page for your stream—especially in 2025, when spousal and PGWP rules changed. Don’t assume last year’s blog post is still right.
2. Synchronize employer and applicant actions. Delays often stem from the employer not completing the Employer Portal step (IMP) or a slow LMIA. Keep a shared checklist and timeline.
3. Double‑pay if open. If your permit is open, remember $155 + $100—and $85 biometrics unless exempt.
4. Book biometrics immediately after receiving your BIL (remember the 30‑day clock).
5. Leverage speed programs if eligible (GTS + GSS), and follow the certified translation requirement to the letter.
6. Mind POE limits. Many in‑Canada applicants must file online; PGWP at POE is not allowed anymore.
7. Keep lawful status. File extensions 30+ days before expiry and retain proof. Use interim authorization when changing employers on a closed permit.
8. For families: After Jan 21, 2025, carefully confirm which spouses/partners of workers qualify for an open permit; children do not qualify under that measure anymore. Check the student‑spouse page too, since eligibility narrowed earlier.

Links you’ll want to keep handy (all official)

• Work permit overview & types (IRCC) — main hub for employer‑specific vs open; eligibility and steps.
• Apply for a work permit — fees, account creation, how to apply online.
• Check IRCC processing times — updated regularly.
• LMIA processing times (ESDC) — updated monthly by stream.
• Global Skills Strategy (2‑week aim) and Global Talent Stream.
• Employer Portal (IMP offer) and employer compliance fee/exemptions.
• Open‑permit fees and biometrics info (what, who, where).
• Medical exam rules (including the 2029 reuse policy for in‑Canada applicants).
• PGWP—About, Eligibility, Field of Study (2024/2025 changes and CIP list).
• SOWP for family of workers (Jan 21, 2025 changes) and spouses of students (tightened).
• IEC 2025 season overview (fees, timing).

Conclusion

In 2025, Canada’s work‑permit landscape remains open and opportunity‑rich, but it is also rule‑dense and time‑sensitive. The most consequential choices happen early: LMIA vs IMP, open vs employer‑specific, and whether you can leverage GTS/GSS for speed. For international graduates, aligning your study program (and its CIP code) with the current PGWP field‑of‑study list is critical, as is respecting the no‑POE rule for PGWP. For families, the January 21, 2025 tightening of SOWP eligibility changed who can work; always verify the precise category you fit into before applying.

If you follow the steps in this guide—select the right pathway, synchronize employer and applicant actions, pay the correct fees (including the open‑permit fee where applicable), finish biometrics within 30 days, plan for medical where required, and use interim authorization when changing jobs—you’ll eliminate most avoidable delays and keep your status clean. When in doubt, defer to the IRCC and ESDC pages cited above, because they are the live sources that reflect the current year’s changes.

Good luck with your Canadian work journey in 2025!